A recent study carried out by XCO2; Conisbee Ltd has shown that the most sustainable forms of insulation involve using materials that do not affect the ozone layer. Non-fibrous material, such as PIR foam, were considered to be particularly sustainable.
The study dealt with the impact of insulation on sustainability and the environment. It showed that every effort must be made in buildings to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Global warming is caused by the emission of CO2 resulting from the use of these fuels especially for heating buildings.
The most important point named in the study is that sustainability is of overriding importance when selecting insulation material.
In the report, PIR foam were considered to be two of the most sustainable materials.
Sustainable construction starts during the design phase, in which architects and engineers should already take four criteria related to insulation materials into account:
1. Moisture permeability
2. Physical degradation
3. Sensitivity to moisture/condensation
4. Possible air flows
In the report the use of mineral wool was not recommended especially with respect to sensitivity to moisture or condensation.
Plastic foams with a sealed cell structure (PIR foam) do not constitute a risk in any area whatsoever.